have learnt to expect from Shyam Benegal, is different. The film demands that it be seen slowly, mulled over carefully and, preferably, as in all epics, seen again. Benegal snips away at a richly labyrinthia if tapestry of his own making of two battling industrial families destroying each other, leaving nothing but shreds of torn broken thread.″ Anil Dharker, writing for International Film Guide, wrote a positive review, calling it "ambitious" and noting it as "the most complex of Benegal's films so far", which is "carefully paced" and "expertly put together". Dharker praised the cinematographic work and the acting: "Govind Nihalani, Benegal's regular cameraman, highlights each shifting mood with skillful lighting. The cast, most of it Benegal regulars, is excellent, with virtuoso performances from Victor Banerjee, and Shashi Kapoor..." Awards 29th Filmfare Awards Won Best Film – Shashi Kapoor Best Supporting Actress – Supriya Pathak Best Sound Design – Hitendra Ghosh Nominated Best Director – Shyam Benegal Best Story – Shyam Benegal, Girish Karnad References External links 1981 films 1980s Hindi-language films Films directed by Shyam Benegal Films based on the Mahabharata 1980s business films Indian business films